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Mount Etna Ash Cloud Disrupts Flights to Malta

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An ash cloud from Sicily’s Mount Etna volcano drifted over Malta on Tuesday, forcing airlines to cancel flights during the peak summer tourism season. Malta International Airport said volcanic ash over the islands had caused significant disruption to air travel.

By mid-afternoon, 19 flights had been cancelled, while several others faced major delays. Passengers travelling through Malta were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Mount Etna, located about 220 km north of Malta, is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes and resumed eruptive activity last week. The eruption also disrupted operations at Sicily’s Catania airport, where the suspension of arrivals and departures was extended until Wednesday morning.

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Etna Eruption Sends Ash Cloud Over Sicily, Disrupting Catania Airport

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Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended on Monday after ash from an eruption of Mount Etna drifted into the area’s airspace. Airport operator SAC said arrivals were halted until 1500 GMT, while passengers were advised to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, was continuing to erupt from vents at elevations of around 2,750 and 2,360 metres. Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the activity was producing several lava flows and extensive lava fields on the volcano’s slopes.

The volcanic ash posed a significant risk to aircraft, prompting aviation authorities to maintain their highest red alert level. SAC said airport operations and weather conditions were being closely monitored, with further changes possible depending on the development of the eruption.

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Germany Investigates Suspected Drone Attack at Airport

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German federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into a suspected drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, describing it as a potential threat to national security. Authorities said a drone carrying professional explosives and a detonator was found near the runway, while another suspected drone reportedly collided with a cargo aircraft, which later landed safely with minor damage.

The incident temporarily disrupted operations at the airport, a major cargo hub used by DHL, Lufthansa Cargo, Amazon, and NATO’s Strategic Airlift programme. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the event as a hybrid attack, and investigators are examining whether it was an attempt to target critical transport infrastructure.

No suspects have been identified, and officials have not confirmed who was behind the incident. However, authorities have not ruled out the involvement of foreign actors, and the investigation remains ongoing as Germany assesses the security implications of the attack.

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Europe Races to Build Next-Generation Water Bombers

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European startups are accelerating efforts to develop new firefighting aircraft as wildfires become more frequent and severe across the continent. With nearly 500,000 hectares burned in Europe this year, companies are designing new or converted water-bombing aircraft to reduce reliance on the ageing Canadair fleet that has dominated aerial firefighting for decades.

French startups Positive Aviation and Kepplair are leading the push by converting ATR-72 aircraft into firefighting planes, while other companies in France, Italy, and Belgium are working on entirely new amphibious aircraft. However, experts warn that designing, certifying, and manufacturing these specialised aircraft requires significant funding, technical expertise, and years of development.

The startups also face competition from De Havilland Canada’s new DHC-515 water bomber, expected to enter service in 2028. Despite the challenges, European innovators believe growing concerns over climate-driven wildfires and increasing political support could create opportunities for a new generation of firefighting aircraft.

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easyJet France Cabin Crew File Strike Notice

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Cabin crew unions representing easyJet France have filed a strike notice covering the period from August 7 to September 2, citing worsening working conditions. While industrial action could take place at any time during this period, unions are required to provide 48 hours’ notice before specific strike dates.

The unions said they remain willing to negotiate and could withdraw the strike notice if management responds positively. They added that an earlier labour dispute had been suspended due to the recent wildfires in France’s Gironde region.

According to the unions, cabin crew have faced ongoing schedule instability, last-minute roster changes, demanding trip rotations, and insufficient workplace protections for nearly a year. easyJet expressed disappointment over the planned action, saying it had already proposed adjustments and urging unions to cancel the strike ahead of scheduled negotiations in September.

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Lufthansa Warns of Lower Profit Amid Fuel Price Volatility

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Lufthansa has warned that its operating profit could decline in 2026 as volatile fuel prices continue to weigh on earnings. The German airline said higher fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions, including the U.S.-Iran conflict, caused its second-quarter operating profit to more than halve, prompting a weaker full-year outlook.

The airline now expects adjusted EBIT between €1.7 billion and €2.2 billion, compared with its earlier forecast of exceeding last year’s €1.96 billion. Quarterly adjusted EBIT fell to €383 million from €870 million a year ago, while investors reacted negatively, sending Lufthansa’s shares down more than 10%.

To improve efficiency, Lufthansa plans to retire older, fuel-intensive aircraft and temporarily ground some planes to reduce fuel consumption. Despite the short-term challenges, the airline maintained its long-term profitability targets and said it expects fuel supplies to remain stable while continuing to monitor market uncertainty.

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Defence Takes Centre Stage at Farnborough Airshow

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The 2026 Farnborough Airshow is expected to focus more on defence technology than commercial aviation as global security concerns continue to rise. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have increased demand for advanced weapons, drones, and AI-powered military systems, making defence companies a major presence at this year’s event. Organisers say defence exhibitors now account for nearly half of the record 1,600 participants.

Industry leaders believe emerging defence startups are reshaping the sector with faster innovation in autonomous and AI-driven technologies. While traditional military platforms such as the F-35 and Eurofighter remain important, experts say future investments are increasingly shifting toward unmanned systems and advanced defence technologies.

On the commercial aviation side, Airbus and Boeing are still expected to announce aircraft orders, but supply chain challenges and production constraints are likely to limit major deals. Manufacturers remain focused on increasing aircraft deliveries and overcoming ongoing shortages of critical components and jet engines to meet growing global demand.

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Boeing Nears 737 MAX Certification Milestone

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Boeing is in the final stages of securing regulatory approval for a redesigned engine anti-ice system on its 737 MAX aircraft, a key step toward certifying the delayed MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants. The updated system addresses a potential overheating issue that could lead to engine failure and has been the primary obstacle preventing the two models from entering commercial service.

The company said the 737 MAX 10 has completed 98% of its certification flight testing, with only two test flights remaining. Boeing has already built around 30 MAX 7 aircraft and nine MAX 10 jets awaiting delivery. Once approved, airlines operating existing 737 MAX aircraft will also need to retrofit the improved anti-ice system during scheduled maintenance to minimize operational disruption.

The certification process has faced years of delays following increased regulatory scrutiny after the fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, as well as quality concerns raised in recent years. Boeing also confirmed that its new safety enhancements, including an updated flight crew alerting system, will be installed across the entire 737 MAX fleet within two years of regulatory certification.

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UK Watchdog Probes Ryanair Family Seat Fees

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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ryanair over charges imposed on parents who want to sit next to their children on flights. The regulator is examining whether the airline’s “mandatory family seat” policy, which typically costs around £8 each way, is unfair under consumer protection laws. Ryanair’s terms require parents to sit with children aged between two and 11, raising concerns that families may be paying extra for a requirement linked to child safety obligations.

The CMA will also assess whether the seat reservation fee is clearly presented during the booking process or added later as an extra charge. According to the watchdog, Ryanair appears to be the only major airline operating from the UK that charges parents in this way, while other carriers generally seat families together at no additional cost. The investigation remains at an early stage, and the CMA has not yet concluded whether any laws have been broken.

Ryanair has strongly rejected the investigation, describing it as “bogus” and insisting its family seating policy complies with all applicable laws. The airline stated that only one adult seat reservation fee is charged per booking, while up to four children can be seated next to that adult free of charge. Consumer group Which? welcomed the CMA’s move, arguing that families should not be forced to pay extra simply to sit with young children during flights.

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European Pilot Union Pushes EU to Tighten Airline Employment Rules

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The European Cockpit Association (ECA) is urging European regulators to close what it describes as a loophole that allows airlines to hire pilots and cabin crew through outsourcing agencies instead of employing them directly. The union argues that the practice weakens worker protections and leaves aviation staff vulnerable to sudden job losses and reduced employment benefits.

The issue gained attention following the collapse of Latvia-based wet-lease carrier SmartLynx Airlines in late 2025. Hundreds of pilots and cabin crew reportedly lost their jobs, with many still awaiting final payments. Former employees said they were directed to join through third-party staffing agencies rather than being hired directly by the airline.

The ECA says the problem extends beyond a single airline and reflects broader employment practices in the ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) sector. A 2025 study by the University of Ghent found that pilots employed through such arrangements reported higher job insecurity, poorer mental health and greater reluctance to report fatigue, prompting calls for stronger labour protections across Europe’s aviation industry.

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